Dynamic Superblock Layout for Reducing Memory Overprovisioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory systems face inefficiencies in superblock construction, leading to suboptimal performance and excessive overprovisioning, which can degrade system performance and resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

Dynamic superblock construction that allows for the creation of superblocks without including a memory block from each plane of every memory die, enabling the formation of a greater number of smaller superblocks and reducing overprovisioned space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional superblock construction is used (including one memory block from each plane of every memory die), then the superblock structure is simple and uniform, but the number of superblocks is limited and overprovisioned space is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of superblocksVSAvoidsuperblock construction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the memory device into multiple superblocks, where each superblock contains memory blocks from only a subset of planes rather than all planes. This segmentation allows for creating more superblocks overall while reducing the complexity of managing blocks from every plane in each superblock.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic superblock construction where the assignment of memory blocks to superblocks is not fixed but can be adjusted based on wear leveling requirements, performance considerations, and available memory resources. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between the number of superblocks and construction complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If traditional superblock construction is used (including one memory block from each plane of every memory die), then the superblock structure is uniform, but overprovisioned space increases and capacity efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusable memory capacityVSAvoidoverprovisioned space

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by including memory blocks from only a subset of planes in each superblock, rather than requiring blocks from all planes. This partial inclusion reduces the amount of memory consumed by superblock structures and overprovisioning, thereby increasing usable capacity while maintaining sufficient redundancy for wear leveling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If fewer superblocks are used (traditional construction), then the management overhead is lower, but performance and resource utilization are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory system performanceVSAvoidsuperblock management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12524174B2Dynamic superblock construction

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A method includes forming at least a portion of a first superblock using a first subset of blocks from at least one memory die of a memory sub-system and forming at least a portion of a second superblock using a second subset of blocks from the at least one memory die of the memory sub-system.